How to Get Depression Help
Depression is more serious than a bad blues or a bad case and is treatable. Many people feel better with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. If your symptoms are severe, you might need to be admitted to a hospital.
Certain medical conditions, certain medications and an addiction history and genetics can all increase the risk of developing depression. There are also certain circumstances that could trigger a depressive episode, including:
Talk to a Psychiatrist
If you're suffering from depression, it's essential to speak with your doctor. Depression is more serious than feeling down or sad for several weeks. It could be life-threatening if not addressed. Schedule an appointment with your family doctor, or visit a walk-in center in case you haven't before. They can diagnose depression and prescribe medication, or recommend you to a mental health professional for further help.
A psychiatrist will ask you questions about your mood and what's going in your life. They may also perform physical examinations or request tests in the lab to determine if there are any health issues that may be underlying.
Psychiatrists may also prescribe antidepressants and other psychotropic medications to treat depression. Antidepressants help balance the brain chemicals that control mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) increase the amount of serotonin that is present in your body, while SNRIs such as Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cybalta (duloxetine) assist in increasing serotonin and norepinephrine.
When selecting a mental health professional to treat depression, select someone who has experience and whose manner of conduct is comfortable for you. Don't be afraid of trying different people until you find an therapist or psychiatrist with whom you click.
Take Medications
It is common to use medication to treat depression, particularly for those who suffer from moderate or severe depression. There are a variety of antidepressants, however they all affect neurotransmitters (the brain cells make use of to transmit signals). It is normal for people to to test several medications before they find one that works.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common type of antidepressant. They are generally regarded as more secure and have less side effects than older medications. Examples include citalopram (Celexa) and the escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem). Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs, but they also affect other brain receptors. SNRIs include duloxetine, venlafaxine, Pristiq, Khedezla, and levomilnacipran.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are older drugs that are still used for certain people. They can reduce symptoms of depression quickly, but they can cause serious adverse effects. Some of the most commonly reported adverse effects include stomach disturbance, insomnia, sexual problems weight fluctuations, and fatigue. Tricyclics can also raise heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people require mood stabilizers with antidepressants in order to treat depression. Examples include lithium (Eskalith and Lithobid) as well as depakote (Depakote and Depakote Er) and Trazodone. Mood stabilizers aren't as effective as antidepressants but can help with some people. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Some people can avoid depression by taking mood stabilizers.
Change Your Diet
A change in your diet could also help. Dark chocolate, leafy vegetables salmon, and berries are all foods that are known to contain nutrients to boost mood. Avoid processed meats and refined sugars. They can cause more symptoms of depression.
A balanced and healthy diet should include vegetables and fruits, whole grains as well as seeds and nuts, and lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and yogurt. Limit processed oils, added sugars and salt. It is also important to drink plenty of water and eat a lot of fiber. Some studies suggest that consuming foods that are high in tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, may help with symptoms of depression. Tryptophan is found in a variety of protein-rich foods, including poultry, eggs, dairy, and nuts.
A poor diet can lead to various health issues, and depression is no exception. When Green shifted her diet from fast food to fresh produce she noticed a shift in how she felt. She now reaches for nuts for snacks, sticks to salmon or homemade burgers at dinner, and enjoys a small piece of dark chocolate to eat for dessert. Dieting healthier isn't an answer to depression however it can be a simple and self-empowering way of getting help in your journey to recovery. It's also a safe and non-invasive alternative to medication that often come with a list of undesirable side effects.
Exercise
Depression is more than just a mood that is not good. It is a serious illness that can affect your mental and physical health. Treatments include antidepressants as well as talking therapies. However, one of the most effective methods to combat low mood is by exercising. Exercise boosts levels of chemicals in the brain, including endorphins and serotonin, which boost your mood. Exercise is also good for the body, as it improves your sleep, strength and anxiety.
Exercise can also boost your self-esteem, and can help you connect with others. Exercise can also reduce feelings that contribute to depression, like isolation. Aerobic activities like running, swimming and walking have been proven to reduce depression symptoms. However, non-aerobic activities like yoga can also be beneficial.
A study published in February 2019 collected data from every study that utilized exercise to treat depression. It discovered that it had the same effects as medication or psychotherapy by itself. It's not known what causes the exercise to work however it could be that the changes to the brain that are triggered by exercise -- like the development of new neurons and the development of connections between themaid in the recovery process from depression.
Researchers recommend that primary care physicians promote exercise as a method of treating depression. It is important to remember that a large portion of depressed patients are sedentary, and will require encouragement and support to begin exercising.
Join a Support Group
A support group can provide an opportunity to speak with others who are experiencing similar situations. Members of a support group might have an illness such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder. Or they may be caring for someone with one of these disorders. A support group can provide an opportunity for social interaction, to share feelings and concerns with other people, and also get advice from mental healthcare professionals who often act as facilitators.
There are forums on the internet for people who suffer from depression or other mental illnesses. Some forums are open to all who wants to join, whereas others require a formal registration and commitment to regularly attend. Mental Health America, for instance, has an online forum called Inspire which has discussions on more than 20 different mental health issues. depression counseling are more specific like those for postpartum depression or people with particular race-specific identities.
Ask your psychologist or psychiatrist for suggestions if you're unsure certain of where to begin. Also, look up online resources, such as ADAA's National Support Group Listing. It may take a while to identify an organization that is the best one, but it's worth trying. Support group members are more tolerant than family and friends and can offer a new perspective on the situation.
Seek Therapy
Depression can impact your ability to deal with problems and challenges in life. It can make it difficult to sleep, eat or concentrate. It can also lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and guilt. Depression can affect men and women of all age groups and backgrounds. It can also cause problems in relationships. In addition, depression may lead to increased use of drugs and alcohol.
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is an essential part of the treatment for depression. It can be performed in person or online. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Psychotherapy can help you develop techniques to help you manage your symptoms. It can help you identify negative patterns in thought and behavior that can cause depression.
A therapist can aid you in understanding why you feel the way you do and identifying factors that can cause depression. Various types of psychotherapy may be helpful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals to break destructive habits of thought and train their emotions. Interpersonal therapy is a form of therapy that concentrates on relationship issues which could be contributing to depression is a different option.
You might be hesitant to seek treatment for depression due to the stigma still surrounding mental illness. You should know, however that depression is treatable. It's not a sign that you're weak. The majority of people who seek treatment for depression wish they had sought treatment sooner.